Since 2011 congregations throughout the State have been invited to open their doors for Sacred Sites Open House so neighbors and tourists can experience first-hand the wonderful art, architecture and history of New York’s religious sites. Visitors can also learn about the crucial social and cultural programming these magnificent religious institutions provide their communities.

The annual Sacred Sites Open House has three objectives:

• To encourage sacred sites to open their doors to the general public. Inviting visitors is a great way to build broad community support for the ongoing preservation of historic institutions.

• To inspire residents to be tourists in their own town, introducing non-members to the history, art and architecture embodied in sacred places. New Yorkers tour religious sites around the world but may overlook those in their own back yard. Developing cultural tourism is key to the future of sacred sites.

• To publicize the many programs and services religious institutions offer their neighbors. The important work these sites provide benefits the entire community – not just the congregation’s members- and help ensure the congregation’s future.

In 2016, we set record numbers with 169 participating sites (68 within New York City) that opened their doors to over 8,000 visitors.

Join us for next year’s Sacred Sites Open House the weekend of May 20 and 21, 2017. You can click here to use our online registration form.